Patna, Feb. 8: Junior teachers of Patna University (PU), who have waited for half-a-decade, could finally be promoted. The varsity will start the process soon.

A slight hiccup has, however, delayed the process by a day. The screening committee for the promotion of the teachers was supposed to begin its sessions tomorrow. It has now been postponed to February 10. The decision to postpone the sessions was taken at the last minute, as the state government is yet to provide a representative on the panel

PU vice-chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh told The Telegraph: “The varsity registrar, V.K. Yadav, will request the state govern- ment tomorrow to send its representatives.”

As many as 93 assistant professors are eligible for promotion. All of them were appointed in 2003, and should have been considered for promotion in 2007. If promoted this time, they would become senior assistant professors. A number of senior assistant professors would also appear for the screening process and could become readers.

Singh also said: “The promotion of these teachers is due for more than five years. They fulfil all the criteria.”

The eligible teachers would have to appear before a seven-member screening committee of the university. The vice-chancellor will head the committee. It will have a representative of the state government and the governor.

Heads of departments and faculty deans would also be members of the committee. For instance, if a teacher from the history department appears for screening, the head of the department and the dean of social sciences would be members of the panel.

The committee would be in session from February 9 to 12.

Singh said: “Once the screening committee clears the promotion of the teachers, the cases would be put before the selection panel that would also comprise senior teachers and representatives of the state government and the chancellor.”

After the selection committee also clears the cases, the university syndicate — the highest decision-making body of the university — will provide the final nod to promotion of teachers concerned.

Teachers are happy with the development.

Patna Women’s College home science teacher Rupam said: “It is good that the university has taken a concrete step for the promotion of the teachers who were appointed in 2003.”

She added that the promotion of teachers in universities is a routine affair but because of the lackadaisical attitude of the PU administration, their promotions had been delayed. “Our promotions were due in 2007 but were delayed.”